All the competitors and teams, all in all some 700 people gathered for the official competitors briefing presented by the ASO organiser Etienne Lavigne and race director David Castera.
The emphasis is on sporting conduct and safety. And of course the spirit of the Dakar rally which is important: it’s not a race, it is THE RACE!

After the briefing all competing vehicles rolled over the starting podium and made a presentation before driving a loop for the public waiting to celebrate the competitors.

Garry and I had a great drive round town, waving, honking, and I even jumped out and danced in the street for all the people. I think we got some new fans along the road!
VIDEO Dakar intro street show, cars and trucks:Youtube.com/watch?v=hzZgxutKi8g (total 15 min) – #366 at 1:10-1:36http://Youtube.com/watch?v=lKUvEF30SCE (11 min) – Truck #552 at 5.15

In the evening we packed everything for the race car and I made my road book, which is colouring and making notes to help me while navigating for Garry.

Now the Dakar 2014 really kicks off!

About a million spectators kicking off the greatest event of the year.